Leadership Guided by Tradition & Service

The Roman Cultural Society is led by a dedicated Board of Directors, each committed to preserving our Italian heritage and advancing our community-focused mission. With a deep respect for our traditions and a strong sense of responsibility, these leaders work tirelessly to ensure that the Society continues to thrive and serve its members and the broader community.

President

Anthony G. Nestler
Vice President

Michael J. Coffey, Jr.
Treasurer

Carl Affrunti, Jr.
Secretary

Peter Sgro
Director & Golf Committee Chairman

Steve Madonia
Director

Mike Orlando
Director, Past President, & Life Member

Mike Palazzolo
Director & Past President

Vince Salvo
Immediate Past President

Adam Walsh
President

Anthony G. Nestler

Tony was elected President of the Roman Cultural Society of Central Illinois in January 2024.  He is President & CEO of Hickory Point Bank & Trust, a community bank headquartered in Decatur, IL. Tony is a graduate of Northwestern University, Evanston, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He is a 2010 graduate of the Stonier Graduate School of Banking. Tony serves as a Chair of the Illinois Bankers Association and director of the Community Foundation of Macon County.

Descent:Sicilian

Vice President

Michael J. Coffey, Jr.

Mike was elected Vice President of the Roman Cultural Society in January 2024.  Representative Coffey serves the constituents of Illinois’ 95th Legislative District in the Illinois House of Representatives.  His family business, Saputo’s Restaurant, was founded in 1948.  Mike opened a second restaurant, Papa Frank’s on Springfield’s west side in 2015, which he operates.  Mike is a graduate of the University of Illinois with a degree in Political Science.  He is active in numerous community ventures.  Mike is the grandson of founding member Frank Saputo.

Descent:Sicilian

Treasurer

Carl Affrunti, Jr.

Carl joined the Society in 2013 and has served as Treasurer since 2019.  He retired as Manager of Retail Operations of Noonan True Value in 2023.  Carl has a long track record of service to civic and social organizations in Springfield, including the Rotary Club of Springfield South, St. Aloysius Parish, Boys & Girls Club, and the Rotary Club of Springfield South Foundation.

Descent:Sicilian & Southern Italian (Bari)

Secretary

Peter Sgro

Pete joined the Roman Cultural Society in 2023 and was elected to the board of directors in January 2024.  A Springfield native, Pete operates a successful real estate business with an emphasis on residential and commercial properties.  He is also an experienced builder, having constructed numerous houses and duplexes in the area.  Pete is a graduate of Chaminade College Preparatory School in St. Louis, MO.  Pete is an automobile enthusiast and enjoys other outdoor activities.  He is a active with Blessed Sacrament Parish.

Descent:Sicilian

Director & Golf Committee Chairman

Steve Madonia

Steve was elected to the board of directors of the Roman Cultural Society in 2024.  Steve is a Business Development Specialist with IBM, covering a wide geographic territory.  Prior to that, he was with Levi, Ray, and Shoup, Inc. for many years.  Steve is a graduate of Eastern Illinois University.  An avid golfer, Steve serves as the Chairman of the Society’s 2024 Italian Open Golf Committee.  Steve is involved with numerous civic organizations, including past president of Illini Country Club.

Descent:Sicilian

Director

Mike Orlando

Mike Joined the from the Roman cultural Society in 2011.  Mike owns and operates five Subway restaurant locations in Springfield.  Mike graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.  He also earned an MBA from the University of Illinois at Springfield.  Mike has served on numerous boards, including the Notre Dame Alumni Board of central Illinois, the SHG Mostaccioli board, and is active with many other charitable organizations.

Descent:Naples

Director, Past President, & Life Member

Mike Palazzolo

Mike joined the Roman Cultural Society in 1982 and served as president in 1997.  He was elected to the board in 2024 to assist in the Society’s revitalization efforts. Mike retired from AT&T in 2000 as an Area Fleet Manager with responsibilities for Central and Southern Illinois.  Mike also retired from the City of Springfield as Fleet Manager in 2016.

Descent:Sicilian

Director & Past President

Vince Salvo

Vince was elected to the board of directors of the Roman Cultural Society in 2024 as part of its revitalization efforts.  He joined the Society in 1995 and has held various leadership positions, including President in 2003.  Vince retired from the State of Illinois after many years and held positions of increased authority, including IT Telecomm Procurement Specialist.  Vince holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance from Illinois State University and earned numerous professional certifications.  He is active with Reisch Charities, a not-for-profit corporation inspired to bring back Reisch Gold Top Beer, an original Springfield beer founded in 1849.

Descent:Sicilian

Immediate Past President

Adam Walsh

Adam is the Immediate Past President since serving as President in 2022 and 2023.  Adam is the Vice President of Insurance Services for the Illinois Bankers Association, serving banks throughout Illinois. Adam is also a trustee for the St. John Vianney Knights of Columbus in Sherman.

Descent:Northern Italian (Turin)